Living in Taiwan: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Taiwan.
As part of the Asian Tigers, Taiwan is a real pioneer in terms of multimedia. While preserving its ancestral ties with China over the years, it is nowadays a modern country, full of professional opportunities for expatriates and businessmen.
Taiwan also holds an impressive wild nature, along with a great cultural and traditional wealth as described by its small villages and beautiful temples.
A large part of the island is mountainous, while the rest is merely hilly or flat. However, most of the country is covered in lush greenery due to its tropical climate. Hiking or climbing the mountains are popular pastimes, along with visiting the various national parks. These areas contrast with the highly populated cities and can be ideal spots for a nice break on weekends, thanks to the wide-reaching road network. Due to the country's tropical climate, however, there is a rainy season during May and June.
Taiwan has seen its economy develop significantly in the 21st century, with a move towards hi-tech industry, which is prevalent throughout the country, not just in the capital city of Tapei. Also, there is a highly skilled workforce within the country for those looking to expand or start an enterprise.
Taiwan's culture is closely linked to that of mainland China, and there's a wealth of Chinese artefacts on the island's popular National Palace Museum. However, there are many aspects of the Taiwanese culture that are unique to Taiwan or a blend of the cultures of surrounding countries. For example, Karaoke is also very popular in Taiwan. Bubble tea is a unique part of the Taiwanese cuisine that has become popular internationally, with numerous incarnations of the drink that is classically made of tea, condensed milk and tapioca pearls.
Generalities
Get an overview of living in Taiwan with general information to discover the destination.
Exploring everyday life in Taiwan
Taiwan is a captivating island nation in East Asia, known for its rich cultural heritage, modern cities, and breathtaking natural landscapes. ...
Formalities
Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to Taiwan.
Visas
All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Taiwan.
Work
Dive into the Taiwan labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Taiwan.
Working in Taiwan
Working in Taiwan depends on your skill set and the job you seek. Expats can find a wide range of ...
Taiwanese labor market
Taiwan has the lowest birth rate in the entire world, and as such is well on its way to becoming a ...
Jobs in Taiwan
Discover professional opportunities in Taiwan and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Taiwan. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Accommodation in Taiwan
Taiwan can be a challenging place to find affordable and suitable accommodation, being a densely populated country. However, with a little research ...
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Taiwan.
Study in Taiwan
Taiwan has numerous universities that offer programs for students from a wide range of disciplines. There are courses that are taught in English to ...
Health care
Understanding the healthcare system in Taiwan: public and private health system, health insurance...
Bank
Navigate the banking system in Taiwan: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.
Tax
All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Taiwan.
The tax system in Taiwan
Taxes are a headache no matter where you live and where you're moving to. They're especially difficult for American expats who still have to file ...
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Taiwan.
Travelling around Taiwan
Transportation in the cities around Taiwan is convenient. Once outside the cities, it can get tricky with infrequent buses and taxis. For expats ...
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in Taiwan, driver's license exchange and international permits.
Driving in Taiwan
To drive any vehicle in Taiwan, you are required to have a license. This includes renting a car or scooter. All drivers must be over the age of 18 to ...
Removal
Moving to Taiwan? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.
Communications
Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Taiwan.
Phones and internet in Taiwan
Relocating to a foreign country like Taiwan can be an exciting yet challenging experience. However, with the ever-expanding reach of smartphones and ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Taiwan.
Leisure activities in Taiwan
Taiwan has a lot to offer to travelers as well as expats when it comes to leisure. There are activities throughout the year and for all types of ...
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in Taiwan looks like? Here's a taste.
Articles from the magazine
Attractive countries for professionals: Taiwan enters top 20!
More and more qualified professionals are betting on Taiwan as an expat destination. The country seems to be coming out of the shadows making a notable entry into the top 20 countries that are attracting more and more qualified professionals. The study published last month, and conducted by the Institute for Management and Development (based in Switzerland), looks at the capacity of states to grow, to become more attractive, and to attract new foreign talent. How can we explain spurt of attractiveness of Taiwan to foreign professionals?
Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity
Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.
How different countries approach midday breaks
Lunch breaks are more than just lunch. They can also be a cultural phenomenon, especially when you consider how different a lunch experience in a different country can be. Today, we are looking into what lunch breaks are like across the world and which countries take them most seriously.
Understanding inheritance law and taxes
The cross-border inheritance of assets presents a complex legal and financial terrain for expats with families in other countries. No two nations share identical inheritance laws, and the specifics of bilateral tax treaties vary as well. So, how can you navigate this minefield without losing access to your inherited assets, complicating the donation of your assets to your children, or facing excessive taxes? Here are some tips.
Expat women: Why setting boundaries is important
Launched in October 2017, the #Metoo movement has empowered women to speak out. Globally, women from all walks of life, both well-known and private, have come forward to expose violence against women. Central to these discussions is the concept of consent, which at first glance appears straightforward—voluntarily agreeing to engage in an activity. Yet, its application, particularly regarding women, often faces scrutiny. Common misunderstandings persist, such as interpreting a "no" as a "yes," or considering a coerced "yes" as consent. This raises a critical question: How do you, as a woman, establish personal boundaries while living abroad?
How to manage international teams and overcome cultural barriers
Taking on a management role abroad is an intriguing career move, yet many underestimate the significance of understanding cultural nuances in the workplace for a successful international leadership role. What key aspects should you consider beyond the usual cultural stereotypes?
Why pursue a Master's degree overseas?
More people are opting to study abroad, regardless of their intentions to pursue an international career. Although the opportunity to study in another country is currently accessible, starting a career there can present challenges due to restrictions in several key destinations. Earning a master's degree abroad can be an effective strategy for achieving long-term integration into the local job market. Here is a detailed analysis.
How to save on your US expat tax return
Managing your tax obligations can be complicated for US expats. As a US citizen living abroad, you still have to file a US tax return, and you may have to pay local taxes in your country of residence, too. Fortunately, the IRS and local governments have put provisions in place to help alleviate this burden. Knowing about and claiming these provisions is the key to saving money as an American living overseas, as they can not only help reduce or even eliminate your US tax bill, but sometimes you can even claim a refund you didn't know about!
